Location Info:

By its very name, the AltaMed fundraiser East L.A. Meets Napa and Beyond appears to focus on the grapes of Northern California more than those of Mexico. But half a dozen Mexican wineries will be in attendance — and while "Mexican wine" may sound like a euphemism, the warm, coastal climate has been fermenting grapes since the 1600s, when visiting Spaniards insisted on getting blotto on familiar fumes. Since the 1980s, the region has worked hard at producing robust wines that can easily stand alongside Napa Valley's more decorated varietals. You can taste them at this event, along with those vaunted NorCal fruits of the vine and food from 30 great local restaurants, including Chichen Itza, El Cholo and Guisados, which will serve unlimited fare among the gardens and tilework of Union Station. As further incentive, a few glasses of wine should be just enough to work up the courage to corner guest of honor Cheech Marin with some movie ideas. Union Station, 800 N. Alameda St., dwntwn.; Fri, July 18, 6-9 p.m.; $150-$50,000. (323) 720-5695, altamed.org/eastlameetsnapa.